Is 4motion a Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive System?
2 Answers
4motion is a full-time four-wheel drive system that can distribute torque between the front and rear axles as needed, with a normal torque distribution ratio of 95:5 between the front and rear axles. The 4motion system is classified as an "intelligent full-time four-wheel drive" and is a trademark of Volkswagen's four-wheel drive technology. The 4motion system is also the commonly used full-time four-wheel drive system in Volkswagen's vehicle lineup. Full-time four-wheel drive means that at any given time, the vehicle is powered by all four wheels independently. The full-time four-wheel drive system distributes driving force to all four tires through a flexibly connected central differential and independent differentials on the front and rear axles. Unlike purely mechanical differential locks, the differential in a full-time four-wheel drive system can be either a viscous coupling or a multi-plate clutch type, but both allow for a speed difference between the front and rear wheels, as well as between the left and right wheels.
Well, speaking of 4MOTION, I'm a Volkswagen Tiguan owner and have been driving it for over three years, so I'm quite familiar with this system. 4MOTION is indeed a full-time all-wheel-drive system, meaning power is constantly distributed to all four wheels during driving, unlike part-time AWD that only engages when slippage occurs. From my daily driving experience, it's particularly useful in rainy or snowy conditions - I never worry about skidding when picking up my kids from school. I've researched that it uses a Haldex coupling to achieve constant power distribution, and the reliability is pretty good. Compared to other brands, Audi's quattro is similar, but Volkswagen's version is more affordable with lower maintenance costs. However, it's important to note that if you frequently go off-road or take long trips, regular fluid checks are necessary to prevent wear - repairs can be expensive once it's damaged. Overall, full-time AWD significantly enhances safety, especially for people in northern cities who should prioritize it.
